Editing Easy Money 839 (section)

==Otto==
839

It is evening and the rain splatters against the tinted windows of von Erzberger's coffee house. Located in the Bankbezirk, it is one of the favourite resorts of the middle class burghers and prosperous craftsmen of Altdorf. Paintings of hunting and pastoral scenes line the aged oak walls, along with portraits of Altdorf's most prominent citizens. The air is pungent with tobacco smoke.

Otto is seated with Aldo Lorenz, his brother-in-law's former business partner, and three others at a table in an alcove set by the blazing fire. The others, all three merchants, two men and a woman sit across from Otto and Aldo and eye them uncertainly. Aldo has introduced them in a discreet monotone and both sides of the table are aware of their reason for being there -these three merchants are, in Aldo's opinion, the best and most reliable people to take on the roles of opium dealers among their community.

A silent, smoothly efficient waiter in a dark apron appears and lays a tray on the table, holding five cups and two steaming carafes. Otto recognises the refreshing smell coming from one -it is coffee, to which he was introduced in al Khary's rooms. The other is frothy and dark brown and smells bitter.

"Chocolate", whispers Aldo, "It's the latest thing from the Lustrian colonies"

The three seated at the opposite side look expectantly to Otto while Aldo pours their drinks, waiting for him to make his case.

842

As Otto entered the coffee house and saw the merchants he finalised his plan. The four boys outside would be looking to cover his trail and to follow the people he spoke to once this was over. But first he needed to get them where he wanted them. If all went well, he’d have them begging to give him money in the name of all that was Holy. He’ll not be recruiting dealers, but folk who think they are doing the best from The Empire. But then, perhaps they will be.
The smuggler has seated himself and introduces himself as Dietrich Hammersen, a good Sigmarite name. He was wearing his best clothes, but still looked a little shabby for the establishment. He exchanges pleasantries and partakes of their latest affectations from afar; being surprised by the sweetness of the chocolate, but acquiring more of a taste for the coffee.

After a few minutes discussing the closest he has to pleasantries (most revolving around taxes), he pulls Aldo to one side. “Can I have a word in private?”

He stands and moves only one table away, such that Aldo can join him with their backs to the three merchants. He speaks in what to most would be a hushed tone, but his voice is deliberately hash so that is carries back to the others, “This isn’t going to work. These are good folk, I can see that. I’m sure they serve Sigmar in their way. I’m sure they put gold on the plate as it passes among the pews. But this is His real work and it ain’t pretty. They have hands softer even than yours. This may not be hammer swingin’ in the Storm, but His enemies are the vermin that attack the underbelly. I’ll find others to help me wage this war.”

Otto has laid a bet with himself as to which of the three will object first to the ‘accidently’ overheard statements. He picks his tricorn from the table as though to leave and counts out seconds awaiting the interruption. There’ll be an argument and then he will relent and they will think that they will have won.

845

Otto has not reached the count of six before the expected outraged interruption.

"Herr Hammersen!"

It is the woman, Frau Schtottle.

"I'll have you know that I have two of my sons died honourably fighting in the Storm, and a third is a notary of the cult of Sigmar! My devotion to Sigmar has never been questioned and I am perfectly aware that His service is demanding and often unpleasant. I insist that we be informed of the details of your proposal"

She sniffs.

849

Otto prepares himself for a moment before answering; putting an anger into his still hushed voice that he does not genuinely feel. The words come through part gritted teeth.

"You insist?"

"You insist?"

"You insist?"

"A knight may insist to be told where he will be fighting. However, this is not some war where a man will be killed by being slower with spear or fewer in number than goblins or beastmen. This is a war where knowing too much gets you killed. This is a war where loose tongues are the main weapons." With the emphasised words he looks at Aldo, knowing what reaction that will get.

He continues, "You will know that Chaos comes from the East. It does not travel in warbands. The horde it comes in is white and powdery. Its weapon is the needle. If I were a priest I would lead a Crusade. I would preach and I would say that all the merchants of Altdorf should shun their habits. I would fail and things would Warp through the blood of the citizens regardless."

"So, there is another plan. The citizens can have their habits. They can fill their blood with pleasure, but free of stuff from the East. But clean White is expensive, more than I can afford and the kind of people that need to be dealt with do not consider credit an option."

"So, if you must insist on something then so be it, insist on keeping quiet, insist on keeping my name out of it and I will be your servant."

He gives them their opportunity, "What would you have me do? And how much Clean would your fellows need?"

852

The reference to Eberhard's murder disquiets them, then makes them more anxious to prove their mettle than before. They are also pleased at Otto's tactful avoidance of the word 'opium' to describe his product.
Frau Schtottle nods eagerly, shuddering.

"Those dreadful easterners are dealing the stuff everywhere. Father Fritz says they worship a devil called the Benevolent Emperor of Pleasure. The Emperor should never let foreigners into the..."

Aldo, of Tilean origins, clears his throat noisily but Frau Schtottle brushes past this.

"We would be able to use all the... ah, Clean you could get us, Herr Hammersen"

855

Otto sighs, "This is where the problem lies. I can only get about six twists a month at the moment. And it don't come cheap..."

The smuggler attempts an expression that shows embarrassment rather then greed in the figure that he is quoting.
"This will cost little more than two Crowns each for now. My costs on top of that, the boys that run an' such like, I can cover myself. I can afford to be a few schillings out of pocket, to know that there'll be a corner of the Capital that'll not be corrupted."

He pulls a threadbare handkerchief from one of his many pockets and wipes a chocolate smudge from his upper lip, in an attempt to demonstrate that sparing a few silvers is a hardship to him.

"Can you cover the twelve between you?"

858

The trio go into a huddle, from which they finally emerge in agreement.

"We believe we can. It will take some adjustment of our companies' claims but Herr Schliefer here", indicating a small, nervous man, "Is a lawyer. When do you need your first instalment?"

Bad Wili has entered the coffee-house, drawing disfavourable attention from the waiters, one of whom approaches to throw him out. He signals to Otto, requesting his attention.

865

Otto gives a simple answer, "When do I want it? I will only be supplied with the goods the day after I can pay. The sooner we get this started, the sooner we can get your friends safe from the Corruption."
Getting Wili's signal, he adds, "It would appear that the City needs me elsewhere, when should I call on you again?"
Once he has his answer, he gives a deep bow and leaves with Wili, "Gentlemen, m'lady."

867

The trio confer among themselves and agree that the earliest they can raise the money is in three days' time. They bid Otto a rather cold farewell -they clearly consider him a necessary evil.

Wili whistles softly under his breath as he and Otto leave the coffeehouse.

"Nice place. Moving up in the world, aren't we? Alejo's boys say the Shade has arrived from Bogenhafen. They want to meet you and Zweigler at Elsa Kaltenbach's place"

Wili's plump face darkens slightly. There is a long-running feud between his boys and the urchins whom the priestess of Ranald employs. Alejo's request is not unusual, although it indicates a certain amount of suspicion -it is common for criminals outside their own territory to arrange meetings in the local Ranaldian shrines, relying on the underworld truce that exists in such places.

910

Otto strolls in the direction that most quickly takes him out of the district.

"Did they say when they wanted to meet?

"And now it is time for you to make a decision. Are you just a ex-Sigmarite choirboy or are you a leader on the street now? If you are going anywhere on the streets of Altdorf then you'd best learn to cross your fingers.

"Care to join me at Elsa's?"

The smuggler stops and turns to the teenager looking him in the eye with respect. The question may have been an invite to a chat, but his look makes it clear that this is a life decision for the youngster.